ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Otago Witness, Issue 3524, 27 September 1921, Page 24

ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

LONG, LONELY VOYAGE COM

M EXCEL. LONDON, September 17. As the Quest moved away Sir Ernest Shackleton was cheered by watching thousands, who had gathered at St. Katherine’s dock. After calling at Capetown the vessel will vanish from the world's ken, but not into the silence that wrapped former expeditions. Sir Ernest Shackleton is accompanied by several old comrades, including Mr Frank Wild, who is second in command. The Quest is a stout, specially-built little craft, hardly more than 100 ft long. She is fitted with wireless; therefore at least intermittent touch with civilisation will be kept up during the long, lonely voyage of 30,000 miles. Sir Ernest Shackleton, interviewed, described _ what is known as the Quest’s “ electric man,” who will be clad in a suit similar to that worn by airmen. It will be lined with light wool, under which are wires warmed by electricity (a special device preventing overheating). The navigating officer will thus be able to earnout his work in the coldest weather. Mr Wild was in Nvassaland when lie received Sir Ernest ‘Shackleton’s cable, and came right away. The full personnel of the party is as follows:—Sir Ernest Shackleton, Frank Wild. Frank Worsley (sailing master), D. G. Jeffrey (navigator), -Major Macklin (surgeon), Captain Hussey (meteorologist), Lieutenant Kerr (chief engineer), Major Carr (airman), Captain Douglas (geologist), B. E. E. Mason (photographer), U. Smith (second engineer), J. Dell (electrician), D. Ericson (gunner), S. Watts (wireless operator), C. j. Green (ship’s cook)* Two Boy Scouts (Mooney and Marr) are with the expedition. Those sailing a second time with Sir Ernest Shackleton are Wild, Worsley, Macklin, Hussy, and Green. September 18. Rough weather compelled the Quest to anchor at Gravesend. It was decided to stow safely all the stores before resuming the voyage. September 19. The Quest entered Sheerness to-day. She is repairing defects in her wireless. Her departure will be delayed for a few davs.